Tile-marking device

ABSTRACT

A tile-marking device including a baseplate having bosses on the top and bottom surface thereof spaced apart 9 and 12 inches respectively for reversible use with 9 and 12 inch tiles respectively. The baseplate includes a longitudinal slot thereon and a slide member is reciprocally mounted on the baseplate and provided with a projecting finger which engages an irregular surface to be followed with the sliding member including central holes spaced 9 and 12 inches respectively from the tip end of the finger so that the baseplate may be placed on a tile overlying a previously laid tile and the finger engaged with an irregular surface to duplicate the irregularity of the surface to be cut or edge to be formed into the tile.

United States Ii K Smith Feb, 22, W72

[54] TILE-MARKING DEVICE 7 Primary Examiner-Leonard Forman Assistant Examiner-Charles En Phillips [72] Inventor h' fi ggz j ggp z$3 553 2 RX; AttorneyClarence A. OBi'ieri and Harvey B. Jacobson 20870 57 ABSTCT [22] Filed: 1969 A tile-marking device including a baseplate having bosses on [211 Appl. No.: 867,196 the top and bottom surface thereof spaced apart 9 and 12 inches respectively for reversible use with 9 and 12 inch tiles respectively. The baseplate includes a longitudinal slot CCll .fiWfigfifi/g/lflg thereon and a Slide member is reciprocally mounted on {he [58] E d 23 C baseplate and provided with a projecting finger which engages e 0 re an irregular surface to be followed with the sliding member including central holes spaced 9 and 12 inches respectively from [56] References Cited the tip end of the finger so that the baseplate may be placed on UNITED STATES PATENTS a tile overlying a previously laid tile and the finger engaged with an irregular surface to duplicate the irregularity of the I 1 getter Surface to be cut or edge to be fo d m the tile nuusi 5 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures TILE-MARKING DEVICE The present invention generally relates to a tile-marking device and more particularly a two-piece device employed with a marking implement in order to mark directly on an unlaid tile the configuration of an obstruction which will be at least partially surrounded by the tile when laid in final position.

An object of the present invention is to provide a tile-marking device of two-piece construction including a base in the form of a generally rectangular plate having projecting parallel bosses on the opposite surfaces thereof and a longitudinal slot centrally disposed therein together with a slide member guidably mounted on the baseplate and longitudinally movable thereon with the slide member including a pair of apertures receiving a marking implement with the apertures being in alignment with a projecting feeler or finger at one end thereof for engagement with an obstruction whereby an unlaid tile positioned directly over a previously laid tile guides movement of the baseplate along the edges of the tile while the finger engaging the obstruction causes movement of the slide member longitudinally of the baseplate so that a marker extending through one of the apertures and the slot will make a mark on the tile corresponding to the configuration of the obstruction so that the tile may be out along the mark made thereon for intimate fitting with the obstruction.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a tile a marker constructed of relatively inexpensive materials such as plastic, metal or the like and which is capable of use with both 9 inch and 12 inch standard size tiles with the marking device being relatively inexpensive to manufacture, easy to use, effective for its purposes and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the tile-marking device in use for marking a tile;

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially upon a plane passing along section line 22 of FIG. 1 illustrating the relationship between the tile and the tile marking device;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the tile-marking device when the components thereof are in overlying relation;

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal, sectional view taken substantially upon a plane passing along section line 44 of FIG. 3 illustrating further structural details of the tile-marking device;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a tile having a semicircular notch cut therein as formed by the tile-marking device of the present invention.

Referring now specifically to the drawings, the numeral It] generally designates the tile-marking device of the present invention for marking an unlaid floor tile or the like 12 when it is positioned directly over and in alignment with a previously laid tile 14 disposed alongside of an obstruction such as a pipe 16, post, doorfrarne or other member which frequently are located alongside of a wall or in some instances may be spaced away from the wall. In any event, the last course of previously laid tile 14 will be spaced away from the obstruction 16 a distance less than the edge dimension of the tile so that the tile 12 must be cut such as by forming a semicylindrical notch l8 therein so that when it is laid, the notch 18 will closely fit at least a portion of the obstruction 16 and still be aligned with and properly fit with the previously laid tiles 14.

The tile-marking device includes two components including a baseplate 20 and a slide member 22 both of which are elongated members with the baseplate being substantially rectangular and provided with elongated parallel side edges and relatively shorter end edges. One surface of the rectangular baseplate 24 is provided with a pair of projecting embossments 26 which are disposed adjacent opposite ends of the plate 24 and define parallel guide surfaces. The opposite surface of the plate 24 is provided with embossments 23 which define parallel guide surfaces. The guide surfaces defined by the embossments 23 are substantially 9 inches apart to fittingly engage a 9-inch tile 12 while the embossments 26 are l2 inches apart to guidingly engage a 12 inch tile. In each instance, the guide surfaces defined by the embossments 26 and 28 that are positioned adjacent the obstruction l6 are disposed adjacent the end edge of the panel or plate 24. Extending longitudinally of the baseplate 24- is an elongated continuous slot 30 positioned centrally between the side edges of the plate or panel 24.

The slide member 22 includes an elongated platelike structure 32 having an overall width generally the same as the width of the baseplate 24 and provided with an elongated extension 34 along one edge thereof with the extension 34 ter' minating in an inwardly extending finger or feeler 36 which tapers to a point 38 for engagement with an obstruction 16. The slide plate 32 is provided with a pair of apertures or holes 40 and 42 therein which are in alignment with the pointed end 38 of the finger 36 and which are spaced 9 and 12 inches respectively therefrom so that the point 33 and the holes 40 and 42 are in longitudinal alignment. Each of the holes 40 and 42 is countersunk from both surfaces thereof for guidingly receiving a marking implement such as a pencil 46, a scriber or other similar marking implement.

Each side edge of the slide member is provided with a longitudinal embossment 44 having a shoulder defining recess 47 in the inner surface thereof and a projecting guiding flange 48 extending beyond the shoulder 47. The flanges 43 are spaced apart a distance to closely and slidingly receive the side edges of the baseplate 24 with the shoulders 47 resting against the upwardly facing surface of the baseplate 24 to slightly space the slide plate 32 from the baseplate 24 as illustrated in FIG. 2. As illustrated, when the flanges 48 are engaged with the side edges of the baseplate 24, the holes 40 and 42 are in alignment with the slot 30 so that the sharpened end of the pencil 46 may project through one of the holes 40 and the slot 30 into marking engagement with the upper surface of the tile l2 being marked.

In use, the two components of the tile-marking device may be constructed of along lasting, rigid plastic material having a smooth surface to enable longitudinal sliding movement of the slide member 12 in relation to the base member 20 and to enable the baseplate 24 to slide along the surface of an unlaid tile 12 with the embossment surface 26 or 23 engaged therewith. By inverting the baseplate 24, the embossment surfaces 26 or the embossment surfaces 28 may be engaged with a tile thus enabling the device to be used with 9 or 12 inch tiles. Inasmuch as floor tiles are manufactured to a tolerance of plus or minus 3 mils, the spacing of the bosses 23 would be 9 inches plus 3 mils and the spacing of the bosses 26 would be 12 inches plus 3 mils thus allowing for the maximum oversize of the manufactured tiles and eliminating any necessity of adjustment of the device itself. The slide member 22 is also posi tioned with the extension 34 along either side of the baseplate 24 and in either position of the slide member, the pointed end 38 of the finger 36 will be aligned with the slot 30 and the holes 40 and 42. With the unlaid tile ll2 positioned in alignment with an underlying previously laid tile ll4 alongside of the obstruction l6, the marking device is positioned with the appropriate boss 28 or 26 against the edge of the tile 12 facing the obstruction 16. The slide member along with the baseplate is moved along the tile from left to right while maintaining a slight pressure of the point 38 against the obstruction so that the pencil 46 will place a mark on the tile l2 corresponding to the shape of the obstruction 116 so that by cutting the tile along the mark left thereon, the tile may be shaped to exactly c0nform with the shape of the obstruction 116 as illustrated in FIG. 5. By using this device, it will be quite simple to accurately mark and cut the tile to fit around various obstructions such as door jambs, pipes, posts and other irregularly shaped obstructions. The marking device may be used equally well with either standard 9 inch or 12 inch tiles by merely inverting the base member and may be operated from left to right or right to left with the slide member 22 being invertable so that the finger 36 either extends to the left as illustrated or to the right depending upon the desires of the user and possible obstructions such as may occur at an inside corner of a room or other enclosure.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A device for marking tile to be positioned in at least partially encircling relation to an obstruction for marking an unlaid tile positioned directly over a tile adjacent the obstruction in a previously laid course of tiles, said device comprising a baseplate adapted to overlie the tile to be marked, said baseplate having a guide surface thereon for engaging an edge of the tile to be marked in facing relation to the obstruction, a slide member longitudinally slidably mounted on the baseplate and including a finger extending from one end thereof for engagement with the obstruction, means carried by said slide member for receiving a marking implement in'engagement with the tile to be marked to mark the configuration of the obstruction on the tile as the baseplate is moved from edge to edge thereof and the slide member moves longitudinally of the baseplate in accordance with engagement of the finger with the obstruction, said means carried by the slide member including an aperture therein receiving the marking implement, said baseplate including a longitudinal slot therein, said slot and aperture being in alignment with each other and in alignment with the tip end of the finger whereby the marking implement may be inserted through the aperture and slot for engaging the underlying tile, said slide member including a plate with an extension along one side thereof, said finger being inclined forwardly and terminating in a tapered point for engagement with the obstruction, each side of said slide plate including a projecting flange closely receiving the side edges of the baseplate for providing a guiding relation between the baseplate and slide member.

2. The structure as defined in claim 1 wherein each of said from the edge thereof for slidingly engaging the baseplate and spacing the major portion of the slide plate from the baseplate to reduce the resistance to movement of the slide member in relation to the baseplate.

3. The structure as defined in claim 2 wherein said guide surface is in the form of a pair of spaced embossments on the baseplate with the spaced embossments being spaced apart a distance slightly in excess of a standard size tile to receive tiles having maximum manufacturers tolerance.

4. The structure as defined in claim 3 wherein said baseplate is invertible and provided with embossments on both surfaces thereof with the embossments on one surface being spaced apart a distance equal to the standard dimension of one standard tile and the embossments on the other surface of the baseplate being spaced apart a distance substantially equal to the dimension of another standard tile thereby enabling the marking device to be employed with different size tiles, said slide member including a pair of apertures with one of the apertures being spaced from the point of the finger a distance equal to the spacing of the embossments on one surface of the baseplate and the distance between the other aperture and the point of the finger being equal to the space between the embossments on the other surface of the baseplate.

5. A device for marking tile to be positioned in at least partially encircling relation to an obstruction for marking an unlaid tile positioned directly over a tile adjacent the obstruction in a previously laid course of tiles, said device comprising a baseplate adapted to overlie the tile to be marked, said baseplate having a glrride surface thereon for enga ing an edge of the tile to be mar ed in facing relation to the o struction, a

slide member longitudinally slidably mounted on the baseplate and including a finger extending from one end thereof for engagement with the obstruction, means carried by said slide member for receiving a marking implement in engagement with the tile to be marked to mark the configuration of the obstruction on the tile as the baseplate is moved from edge to edge thereof and the slide member moves longitudinally of the baseplate in accordance with engagement of the finger with the obstruction, said means carried by the slide member including an aperture therein receiving the marking implement, said baseplate including an opening therein, in alignment with said aperture whereby the marking implement may be inserted through the aperture and opening for engaging the underlying tile, each side of said slide plate including a projecting flange closely receiving the side edges of the baseplate for providing a guiding relation between the baseplate and slide member. 

1. A device for marking tile to be positioned in at least partially encircling relation to an obstruction for marking an unlaid tile positioned directly over a tile adjacent the obstruction in a previously laid course of tiles, said device comprising a baseplate adapted to overlie the tile to be marked, said baseplate having a guide surface thereon for engaging an edge of the tile to be marked in facing relation to the obstruction, a slide member longitudinally slidably mounted on the baseplate and including a finger extending from one end thereof for engagement with the obstruction, means carried by said slide member for receiving a marking implement in engagement with the tile to be marked to mark the configuration of the obstruction on the tile as the baseplate is moved from edge to edge thereof and the slide member moves longitudinally of the baseplate in accordance with engagement of the finger with the obstruction, said means carried by the slide member including an aperture therein receiving the marking implement, said baseplate including a longitudinal slot therein, said slot and aperture being in alignment with each other and in alignment with the tip end of the finger whereby the marking implement may be inserted through the aperture and slot for engaging the underlying tile, said slide member including a plate with an extension along one side thereof, said finger being inclined forwardly and terminating in A tapered point for engagement with the obstruction, each side of said slide plate including a projecting flange closely receiving the side edges of the baseplate for providing a guiding relation between the baseplate and slide member.
 2. The structure as defined in claim 1 wherein each of said flanges is provided with an internal shoulder spaced inwardly from the edge thereof for slidingly engaging the baseplate and spacing the major portion of the slide plate from the baseplate to reduce the resistance to movement of the slide member in relation to the baseplate.
 3. The structure as defined in claim 2 wherein said guide surface is in the form of a pair of spaced embossments on the baseplate with the spaced embossments being spaced apart a distance slightly in excess of a standard size tile to receive tiles having maximum manufacturer''s tolerance.
 4. The structure as defined in claim 3 wherein said baseplate is invertible and provided with embossments on both surfaces thereof with the embossments on one surface being spaced apart a distance equal to the standard dimension of one standard tile and the embossments on the other surface of the baseplate being spaced apart a distance substantially equal to the dimension of another standard tile thereby enabling the marking device to be employed with different size tiles, said slide member including a pair of apertures with one of the apertures being spaced from the point of the finger a distance equal to the spacing of the embossments on one surface of the baseplate and the distance between the other aperture and the point of the finger being equal to the space between the embossments on the other surface of the baseplate.
 5. A device for marking tile to be positioned in at least partially encircling relation to an obstruction for marking an unlaid tile positioned directly over a tile adjacent the obstruction in a previously laid course of tiles, said device comprising a baseplate adapted to overlie the tile to be marked, said baseplate having a guide surface thereon for engaging an edge of the tile to be marked in facing relation to the obstruction, a slide member longitudinally slidably mounted on the baseplate and including a finger extending from one end thereof for engagement with the obstruction, means carried by said slide member for receiving a marking implement in engagement with the tile to be marked to mark the configuration of the obstruction on the tile as the baseplate is moved from edge to edge thereof and the slide member moves longitudinally of the baseplate in accordance with engagement of the finger with the obstruction, said means carried by the slide member including an aperture therein receiving the marking implement, said baseplate including an opening therein, in alignment with said aperture whereby the marking implement may be inserted through the aperture and opening for engaging the underlying tile, each side of said slide plate including a projecting flange closely receiving the side edges of the baseplate for providing a guiding relation between the baseplate and slide member. 